Fountain Maintenance: Troubleshooting Common Issues

When it comes to maintaining your outdoor water fountain, there are some problems that can be repaired easily. So before you get frustrated and take your fountain to the trash, check out these common fixes.

Issue #1: Whacky Water

Whether your fountain is spraying all over the place, or hardly any water is coming out, it’s most likely an issue with your pump. If you’re having issues with too much splash, try adjusting the pump intake-control valve. This should reduce the amount of water flow.

On the other hand, if you don’t have enough water flow, make sure the pump is fully submersed. Water needs to completely fill the bottom basin.

If you’ve got a water pump that’s making a ton of noise, make sure it’s on a flat surface. Also check that it’s not vibrating against the side or bottom of the basin and that it’s fully submersed. 

Issue #2: Algae Build Up

If your fountain receives a lot of direct sunlight, there’s a good chance you’ll also have a bit of algae build up. To help avoid build up, wipe down the bowl regularly and change the water frequently. You can also add bleach to reduce the slime-factor.

It’s very important to keep your pump running all the time, since stagnant water causes more algae build up. You should note that this will increase your electricity costs.

If you’re stuck with some very stubborn slime, you can use an algae cleaner. Before doing so, consult with a professional. You’ll want to use caution if children or pets use the water fountain.

Issue #3: Clogged or Non Functioning Water Pump

If your pump isn’t working, no water can be pushed through the system and your fountain becomes useless. Check for debris and start by cleaning the filter. In most cases, you’ll find debris where the pump brings in water to recirculate. 

Once you’ve removed the clog, your fountain should be running like new. Prevent this from happening again by cleaning the filter on a regular basis.

Issue #4: A Leaky Fountain

Leaky water is the worst. Stop wasting water by fixing the leak. First, check the fountain and try to locate the leak. If you can’t see it, let the water sit dry for a week. A white crack will appear. For stone or fiberglass fountains, you can use silicone to fix the crack. 

Issue #5: Chips, Cracks, and Broken Pieces

If your stone water fountain has a chip, you can easily patch it using quick drying cement. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the cement, smooth it on and let it dry. If the cement color doesn’t match your fountain, you can paint it to match.

With epoxy, you can repair broken pieces that have fallen off. Mix the epoxy, apply, hold the broken piece in place and let them dry.

For outdoor water fountains that are made of resin, you can still make repairs. Create a mixture of resin and fiberglass. All you need to do is apply it to the crack, smooth it, and let it dry. You can find this mixture in most boat supply stores.

With any of the above repair methods, it’s best to let the fountain dry completely before and after the repair.

Issue #6: Weathered or Peeling Sealant

Your outdoor water fountain may be coated with a special waterproof sealant. With normal weathering, the sealant may start to wear off over time. You can easily reapply a new sealant by spraying it on. Then let it dry and it will be like new!

Issue #7: Exposure to the Elements

If you live in an area with severe winter weather, it’s important to protect your fountain during the cold or stormy season. The best way to winter-proof your fountain is to move it indoors to prevent cracking or freezing. If you can’t move the fountain, completely remove all water, clean it, and take apart the pump and move it indoors. 

If you are able to move your fountain, keep it in your garage or shed. If your fountain has many tiers, check your owner’s manual to see if you can disassemble them to make storage even easier.

Whether you store your fountain indoors or keep it outdoors, it’s a good idea to invest in a fountain cover. Covers are waterproofed so they help by keeping moisture out of your fountain. They are also UV stabilized for extra protection.

If you don’t cover your fountain, it’s important to add blankets, towels or some other absorbent material to the basin of your fountain. This way you won’t have to worry about water getting into your fountain, freezing and cracking.

In Summary

Your outdoor water fountain is meant to last years, so relax, take a deep breath, and know that most issues are fixable. And, if it’s something you don’t have time or the desire to fix, you can always call a professional landscaper or handyman to come help.

The best way to prevent future issues is to properly care for and maintain your fountain. You can learn more by checking out our article: Tips and Resources for Maintaining Your Outdoor Water Fountain.

And, if you’ve thrown in the towel, you can check out our Best Water Fountains post where you can see our recommendations for a new fountain.